Princeton Residents Debate Who Should Clear Sidewalks

Homeowners say clearing snow is a huge burden, while others argue it's a public responsibility.

Feb. 19, 2026 at 6:55pm

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In a letter to the editor, Princeton resident Tineke Thio argues that the town should take responsibility for clearing snow from sidewalks, rather than leaving it to individual homeowners. Thio notes that Princeton has adopted a "Complete Streets" policy, which aims to design and maintain roadways for all users, and says the town should apply this principle to snow removal as well.

Why it matters

This debate highlights the tension between individual responsibility and public obligation when it comes to maintaining shared infrastructure like sidewalks. As a walkable town, Princeton's sidewalks are crucial for residents of all ages and abilities, but the current system places a significant burden on homeowners.

The details

Thio praises her neighbors who have "painstakingly cleared the sidewalk in front of their homes of snow," but notes that the results are a "patchwork" of cleared and uncleared areas. She argues that since the sidewalks are for public use, the town should take responsibility for snow removal, just as it does for clearing streets. Thio points out that Princeton has adopted a Complete Streets policy, which aims to design roads for all users, and says this principle should extend to sidewalks as well.

  • Princeton adopted a Complete Streets policy in 2012, which was updated in 2019.

The players

Tineke Thio

A Princeton resident and longstanding advocate for pedestrians and bicyclists in the town.

Princeton

The town of Princeton, New Jersey, which has adopted a Complete Streets policy to design and maintain roadways for all users.

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What they’re saying

“To all my neighbors who painstakingly cleared the sidewalk in front of their homes of snow: Thank you so much for making sure we can use the sidewalk after the recent large snowfall. It is a huge amount of work!”

— Tineke Thio

“All of us, of all ages and abilities, should be able to [walk in Princeton] safely, and not have to resort to walking in the car lanes.”

— Tineke Thio

What’s next

Princeton officials are expected to review the town's snow removal policies and consider expanding the responsibility for clearing sidewalks.

The takeaway

This debate highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to maintaining public infrastructure like sidewalks, which are crucial for creating a truly walkable and accessible community. As Princeton continues to implement its Complete Streets policy, the town may need to re-evaluate how it handles snow removal to ensure equitable access for all residents.